How do you build a sustainable business? This article outlines five ideas for building a sustainable business from Karlin Sloan, author of SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER: Strategies for Effective, Enduring, and Fulfilled Leadership:
1. Measure more than the bottom line
Think about the big
picture and the impact your business has on the community and the
environment. Then take action to improve in weak areas.
2. Practice sustainable working styles
Happy,
healthy employees are more productive. Many companies offer employees
perks such as ‘movie days’ or free car washes. They also advocate a
balance between work and home life. Remember, lower absenteeism and job
turnover also save money.
3. Get everyone working together
Collaborate
as a company to improve sustainability and generate a sense of
teamwork, excitement and ownership. Plus it enhances your ability to
attract the best people.
4. Give back to the community
Create
employee matching programs, encourage community involvement and
corporate philanthropy. People in your community help keep you in
business—return the favor!
5. Reduce your carbon footprint
Take
stock of your energy usage and invest in alternative ways to power your
operation or reduce your consumption. ‘Think green’ and incorporate
simple changes such as reducing paper usage, recycling and switching to
energy saving light bulbs.
What I like about these ideas is that it doesn't fall prey to limiting sustainability to a mono-dimensional concept like being green. The truth is, sustainability is a 360 degree system, one that runs from the individual employee all the way through the impact the business has on the planet.
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